POLICE admit it is up to members of the community to report problems caused by off-road motorbikes.
Issues regarding scramblers tearing up and down roads, causing alarm and in some cases danger, are being reported across Tameside, particularly in areas backing ion to the countryside.
But after meeting with MP Andrew Gwynne, who flagged up the issues affecting his constituency, which takes in Denton, Audenshaw and Dukinfield, Chief Superintendent Phil Davies of Greater Manchester Police, conceded they can only tackle it if people report it.
He said: “The meeting was an opportunity to show the response of Tameside police and our ongoing activities to seize and destroy bikes as a priority.
“This can only happen with community intelligence, which can be made anonymously through Crimestoppers, by calling GMP or approaching your local neighbourhood officers.
“Removing these bikes from circulation at source is the safest and most effective way of reducing the problem. My thanks to Andrew for his support in tackling this problem.”
“It was a productive meeting to discuss local issues with illegal motorbikes and hear the concerns of the community on the behaviour of a minority of anti-social and criminal riders.”
Tackling the issue of off-road illegal bikes has become a district priority for Greater Manchester Police, with data highlighting that it is a particular issue in the South and West Neighbourhoods, including Denton and Audenshaw.
Information provided to the police has already resulted in the seizure of motorbikes which have been crushed, as well as several arrests.
Following the meeting, extra traffic police will be visibly deployed to offer reassurance to the community as well as to detain perpetrators.
And Mr Gwynne said: “This is an incredibly serious problem across Tameside, and I am grateful to Chief Superintendent Davies for meeting with me to discuss the concerns of local residents.
“While work has been ongoing on tackling this anti-social behaviour, I am glad GMP have recognised that this issue requires urgent additional attention.”